A team of researchers from University of Jaйn in Spain have developed a way to turn paper waste into bricks, according to a paper published in the journal Fuel Processing Technology.
The paper “Recovering wastes from the paper industry: Development of ceramic materials” outlines research into the recovery of two forms of waste from the paper industry: sludge from the purification of wastewater and residue from cleaning the pulp.
The continuous generation of industrial waste and the environmental problems it causes makes it necessary to find alternative methods for treating waste, the paper says. The researchers found the sludge residue can be used in ceramic materials such as bricks, an addition that saves raw materials and energy.
The waste-based bricks have lower mechanical strength compared to traditional bricks. However, the researchers hope to improve the strength of the bricks in further testing.
Source: Environmental Leader